la'

didn't reach me. I hadn't slept. Not really. I kept imagining

walking int

s, white button-up shirt, hair in a clean bun, minim

for the elevator, my heart t

shopping district-quaint, but upscale, with tall glass windows, go

gn read: Bl

ssants greeted me. Soft indie music played in the background. The space was alr

behind the counter. Her dark red lipstick was flawless, and her pe

ph

kground before-Mason's girlfriend, the girl who a

brow. "You

m here for my

u'll be on bar today. Take your apron fr

o orientation

oved into place behind the bar. The register beeped, the e

I fel

liar p

urn

so

t away, arms crossed, w

membered, but everything else-his smug expression, the gl

s voice low and smooth, li

ened. "

n't think I'd see you ag

," I replied quietly,

nough that only I could hear. "No, but fate has

s off his face. But I wouldn

to

had been listening in w

der," Mason said. "Alex

a sly smile.

s yet, but something in their

aring syrups and cups, trying to stay busy. But the te

a leaned across the

notice?" she whispered,

ly. "She doesn't know anything. She'

fr

talking

e sense of it, the bel

step

rgy in the

e that looked like it had been carved from stone. He wore a black dress shirt rolled at the sleeves

xan

peak. He di

her hair quickly. Mason

like something heavy

. "Good morning, Mr.

dded once. "

Clara, make the coffe

ted. "Uh

poured perfectly, the sugar measured. I stirred it

hand it to

it from my hand. "I

too easily

spicious, but

from Mason, barely lo

re he took a

ows fu

flared-almost

to his lips, then

asked, his voice calm

mach d

ntly. "What do you m

wly, his gaze sweeping the roo

made

errified. "Y-Yes. Black coffee wi

ard Mason, her s

't leave mine. "Did y

ed everything

walked out, leaving

g under her breath and d

"Welcome to my café, Bella.

hands trembling

tried to

t

e impor

was Alexande